Metalocalypse, the Video Game: Fighting Roadies and Heavy Metal

Already a hit show on Cartoon Network, “Metalocalypse” has been responsible for a heavy metal album that debuted at #21 on the Billboard Top 200 and is now getting a follow-up. The show has also spawned a song for the “Guitar Hero” franchise and comic books.

Now comes the videogame, to be announced later this week by Cartoon Network and Konami at San Diego Comic-Con. Brendon Small, the show’s creator, worked with Konami to produce “Metalocalypse: Dethgame” as a downloadable title for Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Sony’s PlayStation 3. Wisconsin-based developer Frozen Codebase will be the developer.

In addition to extending plot of the show, the game follows a band of roadies fighting in the service of Dethklok, a five-member heavy metal band which tours the world and menaces its adoring fans with songs like “Briefcase Full of Guts.” That music will also serve as a back drop for a game.

It would seem like the brooding bandmates of the fictional band would be the perfect candidates for a raucous, fighting videogame. But despite its heavy metal façade, Dethklok was not easy to import into a videogame setting. “The first idea was we make the band merciless and murderous but that doesn’t work on the show,” says Small. “Our show is really about five narcissistic super-celebrities who can’t open the door by themselves.”

Mr. Small sees inspiration in designer Philippe Starck’s manifold projects for his work in several different mediums. “He’ll design an iPod or a toothbrush or a motorcycle, but there’s a methodology there that’s consistent and recognizable. That’s what makes him a good designer.”

Although a release date hasn’t been attached to the game yet, there’s another heavy metal game hitting the market this year. Electronic Arts’ “Brutal Legend,” created by Tim Schafer and featuring the voice of Jack Black, is scheduled to be released this October. But Small doesn’t see a competitor – only a sign heavy metal is riding the cultural zeitgeist again.

“If you’re an investor in some genre of music, I’d say metal is a good bet,” he says.